Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls & Around
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Babi Yar Memorial
In 1941, one of the largest shooting massacres of the Holocaust took place at Babi Yar, a ravine near Kiev. Over the course of just two days, some 34 thousand Jews were brought down to the ravine in groups of 10 and murdered by SS troops and local collaborators.
The site of this atrocity is now a peaceful public park dotted with memorials. The oldest memorial was erected in 1976 to memorialize Soviet prisoners of war. In 1991, the Menorah Monument was built to recognize the Jewish victims of the massacre, and in 2001, another monument was dedicated to the children murdered at Babi Yar. Other memorials commemorate murdered Ukraine nationalists, Orthodox Christian priests, concentration camp prisoners, and gypsies.
Practical Info
Leave yourself an hour or two to wander the park and read the various guide maps and placards offering background information about the tragedies of Babi Yar.
Address: Kiev, Ukraine
From $ 50
Ayala Museum
Located in Makati, the Ayala Museum is considered one of the most culturally significant museums in the Philippines. Spread over four stories, this well-organized and -maintained gallery houses a large collection of art, gold jewelry, archaeological artifacts, maritime vessels, and dioramas covering Philippine arts, culture, and heritage.
The Basics
The brainchild of the late artist Fernando Zóbel de Ayala y Montojo, the museum opened in 1967, with much of the initial collection donated by the artist’s family. Highlights include an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold objects, textiles, and maritime vessels. It also features artwork from top artists such as Zóbel de Ayala, Juan Luna, and Fernando Amorsolo. And don’t miss the 60 dioramas depicting key events in Philippine history, a highlight for many at the museum. There’s also a rotation of temporary exhibits and a café serving snacks and beverages.
Visitors can purchase a full admission pass, which covers the museum and all exhibits, or a pass just to view the temporary exhibits. The Ayala Museum features on many half-day and full-day sightseeing tours of Manila, along with other top attractions like Rizal Park and Fort Santiago. Cruise ship passengers or those on a layover can take a customized private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ayala Museum is a must-visit for those with an interest in Philippine culture and history.
- Guided tours are available for a fee and should be booked in advance.
- Audio guides in English and Tagalog are available for rent.
- Photography is only allowed in certain parts of the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- There is free Wi-Fi in the museum.
How to Get There
The Ayala Museum is located in Makati, at the edge of the Greenbelt Shopping Center. It is walking distance from most of the top hotels in Makati, as well as the MRT Ayala Station.
When to Get There
The Ayala Museum is open daily, except on Mondays. As it doesn’t usually get too crowded, the museum is a good option when other museums and attractions are busy. The Ayala Museum also hosts a range of performances, talks, lectures, and special exhibitions. Check the calendar to see the latest schedule.
Filipinas Heritage Library
The Filipinas Heritage Library can be found on the sixth floor of the Ayala Museum and requires a separate admission fee. The library houses over 15,000 books, an extensive photo collection, and a collection of over a thousand contemporary titles on Philippine arts, culture, and history. The on-site conservation laboratory helps preserve old books and documents.
Address: Markati Avenue cor. De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines
Admission: Varies
From $ 106
Babulnath Temple
Babulnath Temple is one of the oldest places of worship in Mumbai. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Great God, the 18th-century temple is a peaceful place full of limestone and marble where figures from Hindu mythology are intricately carved into the interior.
Overlooking Chowpatty Beach atop a small hill in South Mumbai, Babulnath Temple was built in 1780 after five buried idols were discovered in the area. Come on Mondays to see devotees of Shiva come to obtain blessings at this holy site. Pilgrims also flock to Babulnath Temple for the annual Maha Shivratri (Great Night of Shiva) Festival. Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the night before a new moon because it’s said that Lord Shiva saved the world from darkness and sin — a darkness symbolized by the new moon.
Practical Info
Opposite Bombay International School on Babulnath Road in the ritzy Malabar Hill district, Babulnath Temple is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5am to 10:30pm. Hours are extended to 4:30am to 11.30pm on Mondays for Somvar, the auspicious day of Lord Shiva when most devotees visit. If you don’t fancy making the pilgrimage up the hundreds of steps that will take you up to this sacred site, the elevator (halfway up the hill) to the temple costs 2 rupees.
Address: 16 Babulnath Road, Mumbai, India
From $ 58
Badaguan Scenic Area
Stroll through Badaguan Scenic Area, and you might forget you're in China. This breathtaking neighborhood on the Qingdao coast has a colonial past, and is now home to the architectural styles of more than 20 countries, including Great Britain, France, Germany, Spain, and Denmark. The stunning effect of European mansions and villas peeking out from the neighborhood's verdant, waterfront land puts Badaguan at the top of the list for photographers, nature-lovers, and first-time visitors to Qingdao.
Tour the former German protectorate (1897-1914) on a day trip away from the city's busy Central Business District to experience the tranquility of Badaguan. Gardens and courtyards boast varied greenery and flowering plants, so there's always something blooming no matter the season. Don't miss No. 2 Bathing Beach, the stretch of sand that fronts the neighborhood, which was once a favored swimming spot of Chairman Mao.
Practical Info
Badaguan Scenic Area is accessible by public bus, alighting at Wushengguan Road Station. The neighborhood itself is free to explore, but you’ll have to pay a small fee to enter the Hua Shi Villa.
Did you know? The name ‘Badaguan’ translates to ‘eight passes,’ named after the eight avenues that originally passed through the neighborhood (now there are 10).
Address: Badaguan Scenic Area, Qingdao, Shangdong Province, China
From $ 91
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
The popular Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, located in the heart of Azerbaijan, is hometo one of the most extensive rug and carpet collections in the world. Travelers can wander the well-currated halls lined with colorful tapestries that showcase various weaving techniques and materials collected throughout the nation’s history.
Since 2014 this incredible destination has been operating out of its newly renovated home, where some 10,000 items - including more than just carpets - are proudly displayed. But it’s the collection from the Shusha Museum of History, which includes some 600 carpets from a city that was crushed by Armenian troops in the early 1990s, which really steals the show. A well-stocked bookstore and occasional public lectures bring this unique attraction and its colorful history to life.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 28 Mikayil Useynov Avenue in Baku. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and closed on Mondays.
Address: 28 Mikayil Useynov Ave, Baku, Azerbaijan
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and closed on Mondays.
Admission: Adult: AZN7; Student AZN3
From $ 8
Bac Ha Market
This sprawling market in the sleepy northern highland town of Bac Ha, is the reason many visit in the first place, but you’ll have to time it right. The market only occurs on Sundays, when, like clockwork, villagers from the surrounding hillside flood the town to set up shop, bargain for goods or come to see and be seen, catching up on the latest gossip. The open-air market here is among the largest in the region attracting members of the Black Dao, Tay, Nung, Phu La and other area minority ethnic groups, but it’s the brightly-colored Flower Hmong women that make up the bulk of Bac Ha Market’s vendors; they blanket and enliven the dusty streets with their neon costumes. Under blue plastic roofs, or atop tarps draped over the hard ground, market vendors proffer clothing, building materials, yarn, herbs and medicine, dried chilies, ruou (corn wine) and even livestock such as goats, chickens and buffalo. A growing segment of the market also caters to foreign visitors with bags, bracelets, scarves, bowls, dolls and other locally-made handicrafts. Bring your bargaining skills and arrive early for the best selection.
Practical Info
The market opens at sunrise and breaks down around 2 p.m. If you’ve already made it to Bac Ha (usually via the train or bus stations in Lao Cai some 47 miles away), then its an easy enough amble to market by foot. Day trips also depart Sapa early for the nearly three-hour trip to Bac Ha on market days returning later in the afternoon. For the true market lover, weekend-long organized shopping sprees, often including village treks or stays, visit the smaller Saturday Can Cau Market 12 miles north of Bac Ha first before visiting Bac Ha Market on Sunday.
Address: Lao Cai, Vietnam
From $ 29
Aynalikavak Palace
Aynalikavak Palace is a lovely Ottoman palace located in the Hasköy neighborhood of Istanbul. It was originally built under Sultan Ahmet I in 1613 and served as a summer palace and hunting grounds for numerous Ottoman sultans, who also expanded upon the original palace buildings and grounds.
Aynalikavak Palace has intricate and ornate design to it both inside and out. The exterior reflects a traditional Ottoman Palace and has a golden hue and small central dome. Explore the interior and you’ll find an elaborate collection of Ottoman-style furniture and other housewares. A part of its original décor is also what gave the palace its name, as Aynalikavak translates to mirrored poplars; in 1718, Venice gave Sultan Ahmed III Venetian poplar mirrors after signing the treaty of Pozarevac. The sultan had these large, luxurious mirrors installed in the palace.
Practical Info
Aynalikavak Palace is located on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn and taking a ferry along the Golden Horn is the easiest way to get there. From the Hasköy stop, it is a 10- to 15-minute walk to Aynalikavak Palace, though it can get a bit strenuous as it is uphill. Buses and taxis are also available to take you from the dock to the palace entrance. Aynalikavak Palace is closed Monday and Thursday and is open the rest of the week from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Address: Camiikebir Mh., Beyoğlu/İstanbul 34440, Turkey
Hours: Fri-Sun & Tue-Wed 9:30am-4:30pm
Admission: TL 5
From $ 41
Baden-Baden
Set in the Black Forest region near the border between France and Germany, Baden-Baden offers a charming blend of cultures with grand Art Nouveau villas, modern boutiques, and chic cafés. The town’s thermal waters and ancient Roman baths are its main attractions, including the famous Friedrichsbad spring and Trinkhalle pump room.
The Basics
Take a dip or drink from the refreshing thermal springs, explore 2,000-year-old ruins, visit the Belle Epoque spa, lay down some cash at the extravagant Casino Baden Baden, or peruse the Frieder Burda or Faberge museums. Walking tours are a good way to explore the small spa town and often include a stroll along Lichtentaler Allee—a street lined with the city's best sights. Regional day trips typically depart from Frankfurt and often combine a visit to Baden-Baden with stops at Heidelberg and other Black Forest highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While age limits for young children vary at Baden-Baden’s thermal baths, some spas have onsite babysitting services.
- Most baths and attractions in Baden-Baden are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout much of the town.
How to Get There
In addition to guided tours that depart from Frankfurt, travelers can also opt to arrive independently by train or plane. The train station has connections to Mannheim, Basel, Stuttgart, Paris, Strasbourg, and Paris, while the airport is located just six miles (10 kilometers) from the city center and serves destinations in Germany and around Europe.
When to Get There
Winter, when the Black Forest is snowy, is a great season for spending hours in the thermal baths. If you’d prefer to see the town’s many gardens and stroll along the Oos River, visit in July and August—the region's warmest months.
The Wine Region
Germany’s Rhine Valley and France’s Alsace wine regions aren’t far from Baden-Baden, and many wine tours include stops at all three spots, plus wine tastings at local vineyards.
Address: Baden-Baden, Frankfurt, Germany
From $ 229
Ayutthaya
The ruined island city-state of Ayutthaya—the once great capital of the Kingdom of Siam toppled by the Burmese in the 18th century—is now a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lying at the confluence of three rivers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya Historical Park protects magnificent crumbling stone temple spires, sun-worn Buddha statues, and other remnants of the three palaces, 400 temples, houses, and markets that thrived in Ayutthaya’s heyday.
The Basics
Ayutthaya’s ruined temples and statues—interspersed around and within the present-day town—are easily visited on foot or by bike, though biking is by far the most popular option. Many half- and full-day walking, biking, and bus tours visit Ayutthaya, and you can even book a full-day bike tour departing from Bangkok. Most tours visit the following top sights: Wat Phutthaisawan, St Joseph’s Church, and the Ayutthaya Historical Park’s Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (the model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok), Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit (home of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha), Wat Mahathat (featuring the famous Buddha head wrapped in tree roots), and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Sites farther afield, such as the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace are sometimes also included on tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to enter the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
- Most visitors spend at least a half-day exploring the vast, 715-acre (289-hectare) city site.
- If biking, note that traffic lights are missing from some intersections—be sure to look both ways, and always assume cars and trucks have the right of way.
- The ruined temples are still considered sacred. To be respectful, wear long pants or skirts, show no bare shoulders, and always remove shoes before entering a temple building.
How to Get There
Ayutthaya is 47 miles (76 kilometers) north of Bangkok, about an hour’s drive from downtown. Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to four of the most popular temples as well as the Royal Palace at Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, is located in the center of the present-day city. Other archaeological sites are sprinkled around the island of Ayutthaya.
When to Get There
November to February, when Ayutthaya is cool and dry, is the best time to visit—though it’s also Thailand’s busiest. If you can, come during Loi Krathong, a November Thai holiday that involves ornate hanging lanterns, markets, music, and cultural performances spread over three days. No matter the time of year, visit in early morning to beat the crowds and maximize your time.
Ancient Artifacts in Ayutthaya
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum houses almost all of the remaining artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations of the former kingdom. This is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area and the people who lived here centuries ago.
Address: Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
From $ 12
B enitiers Island (L'Ile aux B enitiers)
The jagged black rocks of the remote island of Benitiers look a bit like the clam shells the stretch of land is named for. Travelers can navigate the crystal clear waters that lap against the shore in one of the small boats that travels between Mauritius and this breathtaking island off the country’s west coast. The shallow sea is almost always calm, and the views of nearby Le Morne are absolutely breathtaking. Plus, it’s even possible to spot dolphins and whales on the scenic trip between the mainland and Benitiers.
Practical Info
Benitiers Island is accessible only by boat. It is most easily reached from Le Morne, Black River or Case Noyale. Arrive early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds, as the beaches of Benitiers are popular among tourists.
Address: Ile aux Bénitiers, Mauritius
From $ 82
Ayo and Casibari Rock Formations
The Ayo and Casibari rock formations are popular stops on many Aruba tours, despite the fact that they are basically piles of rocks woven with cacti. These natural structures offer a unique view of the volcanic forces on Aruba. Some intrepid travelers clamber on top of them to score panoramic views of the island.
The Basics
Northeast of Hooiberg, Aruba, the Ayo and Casibari rock formations were purportedly used by the indigenous Arawak people to listen for approaching thunderstorms. The Arawak also carved paintings (known as petroglyphs) into the rocks during religious rituals. The formations are free to visit, and make a good spot to give the family a fun geology lesson. These structures are often included as a stop on island tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are walking trails and steps to make exploring easier.
- Wi-Fi is available at the Casibari rock formations, along with on-site food and drink.
- Restrooms are available for a fee.
How to Get There
The Ayo formations are located near Ayo village, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) from the Natural Bridge toward Casibari, and about 20 minutes’ drive from the cruise ship terminal. The Casibari Formations are about 2 miles inland, between the Natural Bridge and Oranjestad; they’re on the way to Ayo, about 15 minutes from the terminal.
When to Get There
The formations are free to visit anytime, but if you want to avoid crowds and heat, it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the evening. In general, Aruba’s weather is warm year-round, with an average temperature of 82°F (28°C), so any time is the right time, but attractions will be more crowded during winter months when tourists want to escape colder climes.
Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins
A quick 7-minute drive north of the Ayo formations, the Bushiribana Gold Mill ruins are the remains of an ancient gold smelter built by prospectors in the late 1800s. The ruins are free to visit and explore, and offer a different perspective on Aruba, where gold was mined during the 19th century.
Address: Hooiberg, Aruba
From $ 40
Baburizza Palace
The art nouveau Baburizza Palace was built in 1916 and got its name after Pascual Baburizza, a Croatian businessman living in Chile, took it as his private home in 1925. Baburizza collected paintings from his travels through Europe, and upon his death, his collection and estate were given to the city of Valparaiso.
Today the Baburizza Palace houses the Museo de Bellas Artes, Valparaiso’s fine arts museum. Besides Baburizza’s collection of nineteenth and twentieth century European paintings, the museum also showcases a collection of fine art by prominent Chilean artists. The building itself is worth seeing, even for those otherwise not interested in fine art. A nice little onsite cafe is a great place to relax over a cup of coffee and enjoy the view.
Practical Info
Puerto is the nearest metro stop to Baburizza Palace.
Address: Paseo Yugoslavo 176, Valparaiso, Chile
Hours: Tues-Sun 10:30am-5:30pm
Admission: 2,000 pesos
From $ 18
Babylon Fortress
The ancient Babylon Fortress was originally built by the Romans in the area now known as Coptic (or Old) Cairo. The fortress was built in a strong and strategic position – a canal ran through this area connecting the Nile with the Red Sea.
The persecution of Coptic Egyptians led them to take refuge within Babylon Fortress, and a stroll along the length of the walls will reveal a fascinating combination of Roman and Coptic architecture. The Coptic Egyptians built a monastery as well as several churches in the fortress grounds and embedded within its walls, including the El-Muallaqa (Hanging Church) and the Church of St George.
The towers of the fortress stand at almost 10 meters tall and are more than 30 meters in diameter. The fortifications have been altered and expanded upon by a number of emperors throughout the centuries.
Practical Info
The Babylon Fortress is located in the heart of Old Cairo. It’s a short walk from the Mar Girgis metro station.
Address: Coptic Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
From $ 21
Bacardi Rum Factory
The Bacardi Rum Factory is entwined with the history of the Caribbean itself, and the factory’s new visitor center traces the company’s early roots as a small distillery in Cuba through American Prohibition, the Cuban Revolution, and beyond. Today, Bacardi is a well-known brand with a global presence, and its factory in Puerto Rico is the largest premium rum distillery in the world.
The Basics
Bacardi may evoke memories of late-night parties or mojitos on the beach, but there’s island history and culture too to be explored on a tour too. There are three tour options: the Historical Tour, the Rum Tasting Tour, and the Mixology Tour, and each opens with a welcome cocktail. Combine a visit with a guided tour of Old San Juan for a more holistic look at regional history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Bacardi Factory is open daily with shorter Sunday hours.
- The tour is a must-do for history buffs and those seeking insight into Caribbean culture.
- Bring your photo ID if you plan to drink and are 18 years or older.
- You may be buzzed by the end of the visit—be sure to arrange safe transportation to your next destination.
How to Get There
A ferry ride will get you from Pier 2 in Old San Juan to Cataño, where you can catch a shuttle or taxi to the Bacardi Factory. Driving is not recommended for those doing the tasting tour or mixology tour, but designated drivers can take Highway 1 from Old San Juan to 22 West and then take the exit for Cataño.
When to Get There
The Bacardi Factory is open daily until 4:30pm, making it an easy activity to tack onto your San Juan itinerary. It is most popular in the afternoon and on weekends, so plan to visit earlier in the day (or earlier in the week) if you want a more intimate tour experience.
Viva Cuba Libre
Bacardi claims that the famous mix of rum and Coke with a lime, or Cuba Libre, was invented by American soldiers stationed in Cuba during the Spanish-American war. Regardless of origins, you can enjoy the drink knowing it has withstood the test of time. Pick up a bottle of rum in the gift shop to take the experience home.
Address: Route 165, Km 6.2, Cataño 00962, Puerto Rico
Hours: Tours: Mon - Sat 9am - 4:30pm, Sun 10am - 4:30pm
Admission: Tour prices vary.
From $ 13
Baclayon Church
The Baclayon Church, sits atop the original site of the first Catholic mission to Bohol and dates back to the 16th century. The simple cross-shaped church facing the Bohol Sea that visitors can see today is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. It is fashioned from coral-stone block and was completed in 1727.
The church and its adjacent bell tower suffered major damage in the 7.2 earthquake that shook the region in 2013. A new red roof has been added and visitors can once again wander inside, taking in the ceiling frescoes around the altar, tiny saint figures tucked into its nooks, and a handful of glass-enclosed statues from the earliest days of the church. Renovations are ongoing.
Behind the church in the old convent, the Church Museum houses many of the building’s artifacts including gold-stitched vestments, hymnals bound in water buffalo skins and inscribed with plant-based inks, as well as additional saints, iconography and relics.
Practical Info
It’s just over six miles (10.2 km) from Tagbilaran City. Busses, jeepneys and tricycles make the trip and the church is included in a number of regional tours.
The Church Museum charges $1 (50.00 PHP) per person with funds directed toward the church’s restoration. It keeps daily hours (from 8:30am-4:45pm. Mon-Sat and from 9:30am-4:15pm Sun, though it closes for a break each day between 11:45am-1:30pm). Pictures are allowed inside the church, but not inside the church museum.
Address: Tagbilaran City, Philippines
Hours: 8:30am-4:45pm Mon-Sat and from 9:30am-4:15pm Sun, though it closes for a break each day between 11:45am-1:30pm
Admission: $1 (50.00 PHP)
From $ 60
Baalbek
Set 53 miles (85 kms) outside of Beirut in the fertile Beqaa Valley, the ancient city of Baalbek is inarguably Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure. An architectural pinnacle of empire known to the Romans as Heliopolis, this UNESCO World Heritage site has served as a center of worship for a staggering number of millennia.
Civilizations as old as the Phoenicians worshiped here and themselves built massive stone structures to “Baal”, revered Phoenician deity and possible subject for the town’s name of Baalbek. With the arrival of the Romans in 64 BC, Baalbek was converted to a pagan center of worship and work was begun on the massive Temple of Jupiter, a hulking structure of granite columns which would eventually become the largest temple ever built in the history of the Roman Empire. While many of the columns have crumbled and eight were even relocated to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, six columns still remain standing and provide a relevant framework for the sheer size of the ancient Roman ruins.
Confounding to scholars at the Temple of Jupiter are the dimension and weight of the stones which are used in the platform of the temple. While many of the stones comprising the foundation already weigh in excess of 450 tons, three gargantuan stones 14 ft. high and 64 ft. in length are believed to weigh over 1000 tons. These are known as the Trilithon, and they are one of the most mysterious elements of ancient architecture found anywhere in the world.
In addition to the Temple of Jupiter visitors can walk among the ornately designed Temple of Bacchus as well as the smaller Temple of Venus, the three of which comprise the triad of deities that Baalbek was centered around: Jupiter, Venus and Mercury.
Humbling in their size and stupefying in their architectural history, the ancient ruins of Baalbek are on par with any other ruins and wonders of the ancient world.
Civilizations as old as the Phoenicians worshiped here and themselves built massive stone structures to “Baal”, revered Phoenician deity and possible subject for the town’s name of Baalbek. With the arrival of the Romans in 64 BC, Baalbek was converted to a pagan center of worship and work was begun on the massive Temple of Jupiter, a hulking structure of granite columns which would eventually become the largest temple ever built in the history of the Roman Empire. While many of the columns have crumbled and eight were even relocated to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, six columns still remain standing and provide a relevant framework for the sheer size of the ancient Roman ruins.
Confounding to scholars at the Temple of Jupiter are the dimension and weight of the stones which are used in the platform of the temple. While many of the stones comprising the foundation already weigh in excess of 450 tons, three gargantuan stones 14 ft. high and 64 ft. in length are believed to weigh over 1000 tons. These are known as the Trilithon, and they are one of the most mysterious elements of ancient architecture found anywhere in the world.
In addition to the Temple of Jupiter visitors can walk among the ornately designed Temple of Bacchus as well as the smaller Temple of Venus, the three of which comprise the triad of deities that Baalbek was centered around: Jupiter, Venus and Mercury.
Humbling in their size and stupefying in their architectural history, the ancient ruins of Baalbek are on par with any other ruins and wonders of the ancient world.
Address: Lebanon
From $ 49
Baby Beach
Gentle surf and waist-high waters earned Baby Beach its name and reputation as one of the most popular beaches for kids in the Caribbean. Add in soft, sugar-like sand and waters as warm as a bathtub, and it’s no wonder this sheltered man-made lagoon on the southeastern tip of Aruba is popular among locals and visitors alike.
The Basics
Baby Beach is one of the most sought-after spots in the Caribbean paradise of Aruba. Although it’s easy enough to spend a day relaxing on the sand and snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea with a population of angel fish, blowfish, and eels, taking a guided tour offers the addition of informative commentary and exciting touring options. Travelers can explore Aruba on a Land Rover or Jeep adventure that combines a stop at Baby Beach with attractions such as the Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge, California Lighthouse, Arikok National Park, and Ayo and Casibari rock formations, with the added benefit of learning about the island’s history and culture from a tour guide. Many tours include lunch, use of snorkeling equipment, and round-trip transportation from Aruba hotels. Those arriving by cruise ship can book a shore excursion to ensure perfectly timed travel to Baby Beach and other must-see Aruba attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Baby Beach can get crowded; arrive early to find a good spot for your towel.
- There is no public restroom, so bring cash for bathroom access.
- This beach is popular among families with young kids and those who are new to snorkeling.
- Beach chairs, snorkel gear, and windscreens are available to rent.
- There is a restaurant and refreshment stand at the beach.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Baby Beach is on a guided tour, which takes you to Baby Beach’s remote location on far end of Aruba and then back to a more central point, or even back to your hotel. Those traveling independently can rent a car for the 45-minute drive from Palm Beach or take a bus from Oranjestad to San Nicolas, and then either walk or find a taxi to the beach.
When to Get There
Arrive early in the day for the best chance of scoring a good spot. Aruba is a year-round destination, with January to March being the most popular months. April to August is equally nice but with fewer crowds.
Lago Colony History
The nearby area of Seroe Colorado was once known as the Lago Colony, a small town of primarily United States citizens living in Aruba. The colony was mainly supported by the Lago Oil and Transport Company, which operated for 60 years before closing in 1985. Some original houses still remain in the area.
Address: Seroe Colorado, Aruba
Hours: Daily
Admission: Free
From $ 37
Azraq Wetland Reserve
A tranquil oasis hidden between the vast sands and sandstone cliffs of Jordan’s deserts, the Azraq Wetland Reserve offers a welcome change of scenery, and it’s an easy day trip from nearby Amman.
The expanse of lush wetlands, glittering blue pools and seasonally flooded marshland is undeniably scenic, but the main attractions for visitors are the wildlife spotting opportunities. Around 150 species of migratory birds pass through the reserve, while native species include water buffalo and the rare Azraq Killifish.
Practical Info
The Azraq Wetland Reserve is located around 100km east of Amman and is open daily from 9am-6pm.
Address: Jordan
Hours: Open daily from 9am-6pm
From $ 106
Awana Kancha
The textile mill at Awana Kancha is an entertaining and culturally-rich stop on the journey between Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Set 30 minutes outside of the Cusco city center, this popular artisan outpost is a budget-friendly place to experience alpacas and Andean culture.
With no entry fee, visitors to Awana Kancha can marvel at traditionally-dressed women and the colorful textiles they spin before your eyes. Using the wool of alpacas, llamas, guanacos, and vicunyas, the women create patterns using natural dyes that have existed in the Andes since the time of the Inca. What’s more, in addition to the textiles, visitors have the chance to hand-feed llamas or nurse baby alpacas with milk from a bottle.
The name Awana Kancha literally translates as the Palace of Weaving, and the fine works of handicraft which are on sale at the co-op are arguably nicer than you’ll find in larger markets. Everything from scarves to sweaters and alpaca wool hats can be purchased directly from the women who wove them, and the wool comes directly from the same alpacas you just finished feeding alfalfa in the yard. An intriguing and authentic outpost, a stop at Awana Kancha should be on any itinerary between Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Practical Info:
Awana Kancha is located 30 minutes outside of Cusco en route to the town of Pisac.
Address: Km. 23 Pista Cusco, Cusco, Peru
Hours: Daily 8am-5pm
From $ 100
Bad Homburg
Renowned as one of Germany’s wealthiest postal codes, the 19th-century spa town of Bad Homburg makes a popular day trip from neighboring Frankfurt, less than 30 minutes away. Owing its fame to its 14 natural mineral springs, Bad Homburg markets itself as a town of ‘champagne air’ and has nurtured a thriving wellness center for over 170 years, surrounded by the idyllic forests and lakes of the Taunus Mountains.
A visit to Bad Homburg has to include a dose of pampering and the lavish Kur-Royal Day Spa is its most famous bathhouse, a 27,000-square-foot complex housed in the Neo-Renaissance style Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad, which dates back to 1887. There’s more to the town than mud-wraps and massages, though. Visit the 17th-century Landgräfliches Schloss (Count’s Castle), once the summer residence of the German Emperors; stroll around the enormous Peter Joseph Lenne designed Kurpark, home to the opulent Spielbank Casino and a number of impressive temples and monuments; or explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed ruins of the Saalburg Roman fort.
Address: Frankfurt, Germany
From $ 261